Reds opt for twin threat to thwart Rebels

Melbourne Rebels will be seeing double when identical Smith twins Ruan and JP start together in the front row for the Queensland Reds in their Super Rugby clash.

JP has earned a promotion for Saturday's clash after missing last weekend's defeat of the Brumbies, with Taniela Tupou to be used off the bench and rookie Feao Fotuaika (broken thumb) facing a stint on the sidelines.

The South African-born Smith brothers, who are eligible to play for the Wallabies, wear the same brand and look of boots on game day which makes it difficult to tell them apart.

"It's not novel for the opposition; some bloke tackles one (Smith) then tackles another and they're like 'where is this guy, he keeps turning up'," Reds assistant coach Peter Ryan said.

"It can be a little off putting that's for sure and they step up when on the field at the same time, they egg each other on a bit and it takes it to a new level."

Tupou's demotion is considered more of a rotation, however, Ryan said the Test prop would be feeling the pinch after some costly errors in attack and defence against the Brumbies.

Fotuaika, who shed more than 16kg in the off-season to earn a contract, faces more than a month out after having surgery on his thumb this week.

Ryan described the setback as "sad" and a huge loss after Fotuaika's stellar shift in the Brisbane heat against the Brumbies and his ability to play on both sides of the scrum.

The all-Australian clash will mark the first Queensland visit for Rebels halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper since they played for the Reds.

With a settled backline and a chance for three-straight Super Rugby wins, the Reds have made it all about themselves this week.

"The Rebels will be a tough assignment as they have plenty of threats but our main focus has been on us and growing our game," coach Brad Thorn said.

Queensland: JP Smith, Alex Mafi, Ruan Smith, Izack Rodda, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright, Scott Higginbotham, Tate McDermott, Bryce Hegarty, Sefa Naivalu, Samu Kerevi (c), Chris Feauai-Sautia, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart. Res: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Hoopert, Taniela Tupou, Harry Hockings, Fraser McReight, Moses Sorovi, Duncan Paia'aua, Isaac Lucas.